#SupportBlackBusiness

During her interview on The Day With Trae with Trae Holiday, Laura Clise, the founder of Intentionalist, shared her inspiring journey and shed light on the impactful work Intentionalist is doing to support Black-owned businesses in the greater Seattle area. 

The Genesis of Intentionalist

Clise's desire to bridge the gap between good intentions and tangible action led to the creation of Intentionalist. "Intentionalist began because I went looking for a resource that made it easier to close the gap between my good intentions to get to know and support diverse local businesses and a way to easily take action," Clise explained. The platform's vision is to foster a community-driven economy where everyday choices about where to shop, eat, and drink become opportunities to uplift local businesses.

Building Relationships and Community

Clise emphasized the importance of building relationships with local business owners. She recounted her own experience of returning to Seattle after 20 years and finding a sense of belonging and connection in the brick-and-mortar spaces of her community.

The Buy Black Card: A Vehicle for Intentional Spending

One of Intentionalist's innovative tools is the Buy Black Card. "The Buy Black Card...is like a gift card that can be used at over 135 black-owned businesses throughout the greater Seattle area," Clise shared. The card, available in physical and digital formats, is a practical way to support Black-owned businesses and makes for a thoughtful gift for various occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, or holidays. BECU Foundation has partnered with Intentionalist to offer a 20% discount on the purchase of the card, making it even easier for community members to support Black-owned businesses.

Black History Month Initiatives

Intentionalist has several exciting initiatives planned for Black History Month. In partnership with Seattle's pro sports teams -  the Sounders, Seahawks, Mariners, and Kraken -  they are encouraging fans to patronize Black-owned businesses. Fans who upload their receipts from these businesses will have a chance to win exciting prizes from the teams; for example, the Sounders are offering two pre-game field passes and two club level seats. The community goal is to collectively upload $45,000 in receipts from Black-owned businesses during the month.

In addition, Intentionalist and BECU have partnered to create their "Equity in Action" program, which features prepaid tabs at eight Black-owned businesses in the Seattle area. Community members can visit Intentionalist.com to find these businesses and enjoy a "free treat on BECU" while supplies last.

The Power of Collaboration

Clise expressed her gratitude for the partnerships that have been instrumental to Intentionalist's success. Collaborations with sports teams, the City of Seattle, and BECU have expanded the platform's reach and impact.

A Call to Action

Laura Clise's work with Intentionalist serves as a reminder that our consumer choices have the power to shape our communities. By choosing to support local and diverse businesses, we can foster a more vibrant and equitable economy. As Clise eloquently puts it, "We feel that connection offering folks that little nudge, that little incentive, that little reminder to walk in the door and spend some money."